RESISTING APOSTASY

King Antiochus had instituted pagan worship in the realm, forcing all peoples to abandon their customs. Those who did not follow were persecuted and killed. His officers went all over the land “enforcing the apostasy” (v.15). Unfortunately, “many of Israel joined them” (v.16a). But Mattathias did not. He slew an apostate Jew and also the messenger of the king, as “he was filled with zeal; his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused” (v.24a). Then he and his followers fled to the mountains and started the Maccabean revolt.

We face a similar situation today. Most Western governments are trying to force the eradication of authentic faith.

Prohibiting prayer in schools and office buildings.

Removing the Ten Commandments and other Christian symbols.

Forcing Catholics to do evil work, such as nurses to assist in abortion, bakers to make cakes for same-sex weddings, etc.

Prohibiting people from speaking openly against homosexuality.

Prohibiting reparative treatment for homosexuality.

To enforce the above, secular governments are using the law. Laws are being passed making it criminal to do any of the above things. Violators are haled to court, and when they lose, are heavily fined or put in jail. Religious freedom is being grossly violated.

We are not yet at the point of liberal governments putting to death anyone who dissents. But that can very well happen. This is because the anti-faith, anti-family and anti-life forces, intolerant and totalitarian in nature, will do anything to push its diabolical agenda. The Catholic Church is particularly targeted, because it is the only strong institution standing in the way.

We must resist. Even as many Catholics today have already given in to the secular humanist culture, and many in effect have fallen into apostasy, that is not an option for us. “Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him, so that they forsake the religion of their ancestors and consent to the king’s orders, yet I and my sons and my kindred will keep to the covenant of our ancestors.” (v.19-20).

This is a time for holy warriors to arise. They are those who would stand up for God’s commandments and His righteousness, in the face of assaults by enemy forces. They must be willing to suffer the consequences of their just actions. They must be zealous for the Lord and their Church.

The battle cry of holy warriors, for their families and communities, should be: “Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant follow me!” (v.27). Ho-wa!